The two clubs are understood to have re-entered negotiations last week in an attempt to bridge the divide between Swansea's £12 million valuation and the Gunners' unwillingness to pay more than £8-10m.

It is understood that Wenger's plan has always been to have four senior central defenders in his first-team squad next season. The departure of Sebastien Squillaci has opened up a place, with the Gunners boss keen to add Williams to his established trio of Laurent Koscielny, Per Mertesacker and Vermaelen.